Dir. Qiu Jiongjiong
2021 | 179 mins | Hong Kong, France
Chinese with English subtitles
Yi Sicheng, Guan Nan, Qiu Zhimin, Xue Xuchun, Gu Tao

An acting troupe over a 60-year period, seen both on and off stage, as they portray kings and queens, ghosts and goblins, scholars, and beauties.

One evening in the 1980s, Qiu Fu, a leading clown-role actor in 20th-century Sichuan opera, is killed in an accident and must reluctantly set off for the Ghost City under escort of two underworld officials. Along the way, he meets old friends. As they recall the past, earthly scenes creep into the mists of the underworld.

This is part of the exhibition initiative ‘Chinese Cinema Project’, presented by Plus One Films, supported by The Garden Cinema. It aims to showcase works from emerging and under-presented Chinese filmmakers via regular screenings. New and classic, feature and shorts – we only show good films.

This screening is in partnership with Plus One Films. 

“A playful and vital work, a sincere act of love for a land and a culture steeped in history, a hymn to the Dionysian spirit of art.”

LOCARNO FILM FESTIVAL

“Magnificently layered historical epic”

THE NEW YORK TIMES

VENUE: EXETER PHOENIX, STUDIO 74

*Subject to a £1.50 ticketing system charge. We don’t charge this to make a profit. Find out more >>